A Rhode Island man pleaded guilty to setting fires at a predominantly Black church. Prosecutors say he targeted the church due to the race and religion of its congregants.
A Rhode Island man has admitted to using gasoline to set several fires around the exterior of a predominantly Black church earlier this year, according to a federal plea agreement. Prosecutors said Kevin Colantonio set several fires around the exterior of the Shiloh Gospel Temple early Feb. 11 in North Providence after purchasing a lighter and gasoline.
The building was vacant at the time and the fires were quickly extinguished by members of the North Providence Police and Fire departments, investigators said. The fires caused property damage.Without the quick action of first responders who arrived at the church at about 12:12 a.m. following reports of an individual trying to set fires, the damage to the house of worship would have been catastrophic, investigators said at the time. Zachary Cunha, U.S. Attorney for the District of Rhode Island, said at the time of Colantonio's arrest that a search of his home turned up notebooks and writings that included phrases like'burn churches down to the ground,''hunt them down,' and'gun everyone down who isn't white.' The plea agreement, which was filed in federal court last week, states that Colantonio intentionally targeted the church because of the'actual or perceived race, color, religion, national origin, and/or ethnicity of the congregants.' Most of the Pentecostal congregation, which has been established for about 35 years, is Black and African American, according to investigators.Colantonio faces four counts: obstruction of the free exercise of religious beliefs; malicious damage by means of fire; and two counts of assault on a federal officer. If served consecutively, Colantonio faces 56 years in prison, with a mandatory minimum sentence of 5 years, a fine of $1 million and three years of supervised release
Hate Crime Arson Church Race Religion
United Kingdom Latest News, United Kingdom Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Companies Submit Requests to Rebuild Washington Bridge in Rhode IslandFollowing a failed initial bid process, four leading bridge construction companies have submitted proposals to rebuild the Washington Bridge in Rhode Island. The Department of Transportation is now reviewing applications with a view to selecting two finalists by the bridge's one-year closure anniversary.
Read more »
University of Rhode Island hit with civil rights complaint over alleged discriminationA nonprofit has reportedly lodged a civil rights complaint against the University of Rhode Island, alleging the school’s scholarships discriminate based on…
Read more »
Deloitte says cyberattack on Rhode Island benefits portal carries 'major security threat'Personal and financial data probably stolen
Read more »
Rhode Island Health Care System Hit by CyberattackA cyberattack on a Rhode Island state health care system may have resulted in the theft of personal information. The system, known as RIBridges, manages various state programs, including Medicaid and SNAP. Officials are working with the vendor, Deloitte, to address the threat and restore the system. Individuals whose information may have been compromised will receive notifications with instructions on accessing free credit monitoring.
Read more »
Rhode Island Data Breach Impacts ThousandsA major data breach in Rhode Island's RIBridges system has potentially exposed the personal information of thousands of residents. The state has set up a toll-free hotline for affected individuals to receive information and guidance on protecting their data.
Read more »
Rhode Island Healthcare System Hit by Cyberattack, Personal Data Potentially CompromisedA cyberattack on Rhode Island's state health care system, RIBridges, has potentially compromised personal information of residents. The system, used to determine eligibility for various state programs and Medicaid, was taken offline after a security threat was detected. Authorities are working to restore the system and notify affected individuals.
Read more »